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Go to the head of the class. Free webinar demystifies College admissions.

Finding the right fit for each student and the best financial package.

RAYNHAM, MA… Overwhelmed by college applications, FAFSA and the enormity of the college admissions task?  This is often the biggest challenge of a lifetime from many families.   

A free webinar entitled “Go to the head of the class – Demystifying College Admissions” is scheduled for Wednesday evening, February 2, 2022. 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. The complimentary virtual event is led and sponsored by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, founder of Personal College Counseling, Inc. (PCCI); Patricia Regan, Vice President and Financial Consultant, RT Investment Services; and Mohamad Omran, Owner and Center Director, Mathnasium of Marshfield and Plymouth, MA. 

There is no charge for the online event, but event will be limited to 50 people and reservations are required. Please RSVP to:  https://conta.cc/3Kc3DOx

Topics will include how to find a college/university that is a good match for your student’s interests, lifestyle and budget; how to maximize merit scholarship dollars; how to find other financial resources including home equity, 529 plans and other strategies; managing math requirements/challenges; and how to track all important deadlines for testing, applications and forms. 

Who should attend? High school students, including freshman, sophomores and juniors and their families. The earlier in the college application process the better. 

Sponsors 

PCCI, based in Raynham, MA, was founded by Attorney Honoria DaSilva-Kilgore, who has been practicing law for more than 25 years helping clients with numerous financial matters and long-term planning. Over the years, Attorney DaSilva-Kilgore took note of a recurring theme among her clients that often cropped up – inadequate planning regarding higher education. 

RT Investment Services located at Rockland Trust, Where Each Relationship Matters TM
Securities are offered through LPL Financial (LPL), a registered investment advisor and broker-dealer (member FINRA/SIPC). Insurance products are offered through LPL Financial or its licensed affiliates. Rockland Trust Company and RT Investment Services ARE NOT registered as a broker-dealer or investment advisor. Registered Representatives of LPL offer products and services using RT Investment Services, and may also be employees of Rockland Trust Company.  These products and services are being offered through LPL or its affiliates, which are separate entities from, and not affiliates of, Rockland Trust Company or RT Investment Services.  Securities offered through LPL or its affiliates are:

NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY/NOT ROCKLAND TRUST GUARANTEED/NOT ROCKLAND TRUST DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS/MAY LOSE VALUE

A new survey revealed that at least 89 percent parents feel that Mathematics is the toughest subject their kids study. 77 percent of parents surveyed believed that the subject was not being taught well in school leading to the necessity of tutoring assistance.  Mathnasium helps make math make sense! Help the “flying-under-the-radar” students and the ones who have enormous potential to become higher level math students but just don’t know it! 

Please RSVP to:  https://conta.cc/3Kc3DOx

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Wisconsin Early Autism Project Opens New Location in Oshkosh

Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP) opens the doors of their new Oshkosh ABA Learning Center with a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on December 15, 2021. (Left to Right): Jamie Schuh, BCaBA, Assistant Clinical Director; Samantha Zellner; Rebecca Thompson; Kimberly Wroblewski; Mary Hopton Smith; Kerry Hoops, MA, BCBA, Clinical Director; and Brittney Wallin, Managing Behavior Analyst and Assistant Clinical Director.

The Wisconsin Early Autism Project (WEAP), part of LEARN Behavioral, a national organization of providers serving children with autism and other special needs, has recently opened the doors of their new Learning Center at 2905 Universal Street, Oshkosh, WI 54904. 

A grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony with WEAP’s leadership team was held Wednesday, December 15, 2021. The Oshkosh Chamber of Commerce and the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce welcomed the company during the ribbon cutting. The event had a Winter Wonderland theme and refreshments and tours of the center followed the ribbon cutting ceremony. To add to the festivities, Santa Claus was onsite for pictures with families. 

WEAP’s Oshkosh team is led by Clinical Director Kerry Hoops, MA, BCBA along with Assistant Clinical Directors Jamie Schuh, BCaBA and Brittney Wallin, Managing Behavior Analyst. The Oshkosh location serves children and families throughout the counties of Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Outagamie, Waupaca, Waushara, and Winnebago.

WEAP is the first provider of autism services in Wisconsin. With more than 25 years of clinical research and practice, WEAP is a world-renowned leader in early comprehensive behavioral treatment for young children with autism. To meet significant demand for their services in the area, WEAP continues to add to the Oshkosh team. The company intends to hire additional full- and part-time behavior technicians.

WEAP’s clinicians provide individualized, evidence-based programs in their Learning Centers, in client’s home and community, and in schools. Their applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy services include diagnostic services, home services, special skills group services, and teleABA (telehealth) services. 

For more information about WEAP Oshkosh, visit https://wiautism.com/locations/oshkosh/

WEAP also has locations in Brookfield, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Madison, and Oak Creek. For more information about WEAP, visit www.wiautism.com

About LEARN Behavioral
LEARN Behavioral specializes in using contemporary applied behavior analysis (ABA) to nurture the unique potential of children and young adults with autism. With clinical insights and best practices refined through our decades of service to the autism community, we support more than 5,000 clients through brands that include WEAP, AST, BACA, BCI, Total Spectrum, Trellis, SPARKS, and Priorities ABA. Our team consists of more than 30 doctoral-level clinicians, 450 board certified behavior analysts® (BCBAs), and 4,000 behavior technicians who share a common mission: to find success for every child in our care. 

“Connecting the Autism Community One Podcast at a Time”
LEARN Behavioral provides valuable insight and information from inspiring individuals in the autism community through their unique All Autism Talk podcast found on Spotify, Apple, Blog Talk Radio, Google Podcasts, and on their website at www.learnbehavioral.com/allautismtalk.

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Special Holiday Meals Delivered to Seniors at Wareham COA, Agawam Village and Redwood Park

Special holiday meals were provided to 175 older adults at the Wareham Council on Aging (COA) and at Agawam Village and Redwood Park Housing Authority locations on Thursday, December 23rd.

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout Plymouth County and surrounding towns, thanks Covanta and their staff for providing these special holiday meals and also volunteering to deliver them alongside OCES to older adult consumers in their Nutrition program. 

Missy Dziczek, Wareham Council on Aging Director

“Food insecurity is an important issue facing many older adults. We are grateful to Covanta and their amazing team for their generous donation and delivery of holiday meals that helps make the season even more special,” said Nicole Long, Chief Executive Officer at OCES. 

Nutrition Program
OCES’ Nutrition Program, which consists of Meals on Wheels, Community Dining, and Grab & Go meals, is critical to many older adults. Through OCES’ Nutrition Program, hundreds of nutritious meals are delivered each day to adults age 60+ living within 23 communities in greater Plymouth County. These “Meals on Wheels” are essential, nutritionally-sound and satisfying meals planned by a nutritionist. With the help of hundreds of volunteers, the meals are delivered to individual homes. For many of OCES’ most vulnerable older adults and individuals with disabilities, the delivery is not only a delicious meal, it is often the only social contact of the day. A connection to the community through Meals on Wheels is also a safety check to make sure these individuals are okay.

Our Meals on Wheels and Community Dining menus are published in COA newsletters and on OCES’ website at https://www.ocesma.org/nutrition-menu/.  For more information about Meals on Wheels or Community Dining, call OCES at (508) 584-1561. 

About Covanta 
Powering Today. Protecting Tomorrow. 
With locations in Massachusetts and beyond, Covanta’s mission is “To build a safer, cleaner, more prosperous world by ensuring no waste is ever wasted.” To learn more, visit https://www.covanta.com

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

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Easy green for yourself. Affiliate program launched by Green Goddess Supply.

Fully automated and easy to implement, Green Goddess Supply has launched an Affiliate program.  The program encourages like-minded businesses and individuals to leverage their existing audience to expand revenue and share high quality products.

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products.

There are revenue opportunities for people without e-commerce websites too.  Retailers, dispensaries and smoke shops are also welcomed partners for a drop ship program.

On the other hand, digital partners include social media influencers (ie an individual person without a website), or owners of informational websites such as a blog or other non-ecommerce sites. Partners can earn 10% or more of sales by signing up for the Affiliate Program and simply making referral / recommendations.  

The referrals can be as simple as clickable text links, or take the form of more traditional-looking ads. 

Green Goddess Supply uses a third party affiliate system called ShareASale.com to power the affiliate program.  By using one of the original third party affiliate systems that has been around since the mid 90’s (Green Goddess principals have used this source several times in the past on other ecommerce projects, ranging all the way back to 1996), partners can rest assured that there’s a neutral 3rd party involved to manage and audit the program, handle payment of commissions, and that the account is pre-funded by the company, and it’s all automated on “auto pilot” – partners won’t be waiting around for anyone to do any accounting.

Partners’ promos can use text links or, if preferred, more traditional-looking ad creative (such as for sidebar space on a blog page).  There is an entire library of pre-designed ads (banners, square ads, skyscrapers, and more!) loaded up and ready to go in ShareASale.    

If the affiliate doesn’t work for a potential partner, the company offers other options including drop shipping and traditional wholesale.

About Green Goddess Supply

Green Goddess Supply is a “cultivation to consumption” cannabis lifestyle brand offering a line of high-quality products to grow, store, prep and consume hemp flower and cannabis products. The company sells direct to consumers at MSRP through its website, and also offers wholesale and distributor accounts to brick and mortar storefronts and industry distributors. Green Goddess Supply strives to exceed expectations and delight customers with quality products and amazing customer service.

Green Goddess Supply is a privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA with additional distributions centers in Los Angeles, CA; Long Island City, New York and Pooler, Georgia.  For more information about Green Goddess Supply, visit the affiliate landing page at https://www.greengoddesssupply.com/blogs/blog/drop-shipping-green-goddess-supply-products. Or contact Eric Robichaud, pr@GreenGoddessSupply.com, 617.765.2334 x100

Easy green for yourself. Affiliate program launched by Green Goddess Supply.Read More

Mortgage industry officials warn of halt to reverse mortgage originations without immediate legislative action

Hundreds of senior citizens seeking financial stability through reverse mortgages could see their plans grind to a halt unless the Massachusetts Legislature acts to extend the governor’s COVID emergency order that expired Dec. 15.

At issue is a state law that mandates in-person counseling for all reverse mortgage applicants. Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that does not allow reverse mortgage counseling by phone or videoconference.

However, Gov. Charlie Baker in April 2020 introduced a COVID-related measure that temporarily permitted counseling by phone or videoconference. That measure, which made it possible for seniors and counselors to interact without fear of COVID transmission, expired on Dec. 15.

Had the Legislature extended the order as was expected, the crisis would have been avoided.

A bill, H1146, that would make telephone and video counseling permanent is pending. That bill likely won’t be acted upon until next spring. In the meantime, senior homeowners are left with the dilemma that legislative inaction created.

George Downey, founder of Harbor Mortgage Solutions in Braintree and a board member of the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association, urged the Legislature, which meets on Thursday, to pass the measure.

“If they do nothing, the ability of hundreds of seniors to leverage the equity in their homes during this extremely stressful time will be rendered impossible. There is no rational reason why Massachusetts should be so out of step with every other state when it comes to giving seniors flexibility in arranging for safe and effective reverse mortgage advice,” Downey said.

Multiple factors are contributing to the likely halt, Downey said.

Only eight reverse mortgage counselors who are currently licensed in the state are available and willing to participate in face to face counseling sessions. None of them are scheduling in-house meetings due to COVID concerns, including the rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

As a result, seniors have to drive to one of just six counseling offices in the state, located in Quincy, Agawam, Hyannis, Auburndale, Stoneham and Woburn.

“For many seniors, having to drive such long distances for in-person meetings amid heightened COVID concerns is a non-starter. Not having the ability to conduct these sessions by phone or videoconference is an insurmountable obstacle,” Downey said.

The Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association have sent letters to legislative leaders urging passage of the omnibus bill. According to the MMBA, some 1,500 seniors annually in Massachusetts utilize reverse mortgage products.

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Virtual “Buried in Treasures” Workshop Begins January 18th

For anyone struggling with clutter, compulsive acquiring, saving, and hoarding, Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County, has announced a Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop will begin on January 18, 2022. 

OCES and the Greater Brockton Area Hoarding Task Force (GBAH) are hosting a FREE Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop funded by GBAH scholarships. A facilitated self-help series for individuals with hoarding tendencies, the Buried in Treasures confidential workshop will be held on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. for 16 weeks – from January 18th through May 3rd. 

Buried in Treasures is an educational, judgment-free, self-help program. The online group workshop will be led by Deana Andrade, LICSW and Jeffrey Olivier of OCES. 

According to Terri Kourtz, OCES’ Protective Services Director and Chair of GBAH, “A hoarding disorder not only disrupts an individual’s daily life, it can also significantly affect their relationships with loved ones. This workshop will help attendees better understand it and learn practical coping skills.” 

What is Hoarding?
Hoarding is when individuals continue to accumulate items, such as clothing, newspapers and food, and then have persistent difficulty discarding possessions. Individuals with hoarding behaviors often face health issues related to falls, as well as the risk of losing their homes.

The Virtual Buried in Treasures Workshop is available to individuals of all ages and there are no geographic restrictions. Past participants of Buried in Treasures workshops have shared that they found it very helpful, they felt supported, and would recommend the workshop.
    
Screening for group readiness is required. 

For Workshop information or to arrange a prescreening appointment, contact Deana Andrade at OCES, 508-584-1561 extension 232 or email dandrade@ocesma.org. For additional information visit www.ocesma.org.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

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Ready to make news and new clients in 2022?

The new year offers a new opportunity. A clean sweep.

What are your plans for improving revenue, visibility and credibility for 2022? PR and marketing are an on-going process. Not a singular scream into space.

Here is worksheet to get things moving in the right direction –

Awards – What awards would you like to win? How do you nominate yourself? Or have someone nominate you? _______________________________________

Blogs – How often do you want to create a new blog?___________________What are the topics of interest to our clients/customers?___________________In addition to the newsroom on our website, where do you want to post this content?___________

Book (E-book) – An E-book, short and concise, is a great lead magnet. What existing content can you repurpose to create an E-book? ____________________What page on your website can you “lock” the E-book to entice visitors to request it, provide nominal contact information (name, email address) and generate a “lead”? ____________ 

Bylined features/Side Bar stories – What topics will attract press coverage? How to, trends, human interest, case study?______________________________

Divisions/Niches news release announcements can generate niche press coverage. Example – Announcing a Non-profit Division touting expanded non-profit services and a non-profit rate can generate ink in non-profit trade publications. What are the niches that work for you? _____________________________________________________________

E-Newsletter – Right. Not everyone reads every E-Newsletter that hits their email inbox. But enough read the subject line to keep you top-of-mind and generate opportunities. Given our limited attention span, single story E-newsletters work best. What 3 topics can you cover in the next 3 months? ___________________What E-Newsletter platform will you use (Constant Contact, MailChimp or other)?

Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter – These are the Big 3 of social media. To remain in the conversation, what is the best frequency of your postings? ______________In planning the first month, what topics can you explore? _________________

Friend program – Your next customer will likely look like and be referred to by your existing customer. How can you formalize a program to remind and incentivize your customers? 
Example – The Friend program should be mentioned in your email signature, E-Newsletter and website. Each referral should be rewarded with something fun and valuable – from a Starbuck’s gift card to a tin of artisan cookies. What can your Friend program look like and include? ________

LinkedIn – Your Personal ProfileYour personal profile is often the key research source destination prior to a new business call. How can you improve your profile?_______________________ 

LinkedIn – Groups LinkedIn groups give you access to large and targeted groups. You can start, join and follow relevant subjects that put you into the center of your best prospects. What groups should you join? __________________________What topics are of interest to this group?_________________ 

Milestones – News What upcoming milestones can generate coverage for you?Years in biz, # clients, $s generated, awards?List a few. _________________________________________

Personnel – News Personnel news demonstrates growth, success. What is newsworthy about your key staff? Promotions, additional education/training, major new hires? ____________________

Photography Do you have professional photography and video clips ready to go? Do you need portraits of key personnel, exterior and interior photos of your offices, product photos? What needs coverage? _____________________________________

Podcasting – Hosting As you know, podcasting, essentially “on demand” radio, is among the fastest growing mediums. And for a good reason. Enhance visibility, credibility and likeability. Take the roll of opinion leader and helpful neighbor.
Who can host your podcast? _________________________________________What is the theme of your podcast? ____________________________________Possible guests?_____________________________________________________Graphic icon for podcast portals? ______________________________________Equipment needed? _________________________________________________

Podcasting – Guesting Guesting is a great way to dip your toe into podcasting. Take advantage of someone else’s audience and promotion. There are podcasts on every subject and for every market segment.
What show would you like to guest on? _____________________________What topics can you expand upon? _________________________________Who will do the outreach? ________________________________________ Season news –How does your company tie into seasonality, holidays, weather? Tax tips for the beginning of tax season? Health tips for the beginning of spring? What is relevant for your business?_________________________________________ Social proof.

Establishing authority –What subject(s) are you an expert on? What topics should reporters/editors/producers turn to you about? _____________.What media outlets do you want to target? ____________________. 

Website – Is your website up to date? Is it easy to navigate? Does it quickly deliver answers? Do you have ways to entice lead harvesting (Opt in for an E-newsletter, E-book, Complimentary audit?)__________________________________________

Need help? Contact us for a conversation to point you in the right direction.

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Old Colony Elder Services Appoints New Volunteer Programs Manager

Old Colony Elder Services (OCES), the non-profit agency proudly serving older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout greater Plymouth County and surrounding towns, has promoted Armindo S. Rocha to Volunteer Programs Manager. He is a resident of Brockton.

Rocha has been with the agency for eight years. In his new role as Volunteer Programs Manager, Rocha will manage OCES’ Volunteer and Healthy Living Programs, and ensure comprehensive service delivery with business partners and volunteers. For five years previous to his promotion, Rocha was OCES’ Intake and Referral Supervisor overseeing assigned staff, special fund and transportation requests, and ensuring the highest quality of services. For three years prior to that, he served as Home Care Program Supervisor. Before joining OCES, Rocha was a Residential Counselor for BAMSI of East Bridgewater, MA.

Rocha holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bridgewater State University and a Master of Public Administration from Roger Williams University in Bristol, RI.

A dedicated volunteer, Rocha is the current president of Association of Social Solidarity, a nonprofit organization aimed to change and shape the lives of Cape Verdean families in the Brockton community.

About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org. 

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All Aboard the Drive-Thru Polar Express at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield on Saturday, December 18th

Santa Claus will be making a special stop this year at the Drive-Thru Polar Express on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, located at 37 Proprietor’s Drive.

Children of all ages will enjoy a magical Drive-Thru Polar Express, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Club and feature multiple “station stops” for entertainment and goodies. 

After the conductor presents each vehicle with a ticket, families drive through to each stop which plays out the story line. Special guests, the Forbes School of Irish Step Dancing and the Marshfield Dance Team will perform during event. 

The Boys & Girls Club’s community partners for the event include the Molly Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, Marshfield Pediatric Dentistry, Scout Troop 424, Kiwanis Club of Marshfield, Mia Regazza, Goodwill Hunters, Marshfield Youth Hockey, as well as Marshfield Police and Marshfield Fire departments.

This is a FREE event and there is no need to sign up.  

“The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield is proud to bring this very festive, Drive-Thru Polar Express experience to families again this year,” said Jim Bunnell, CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield. “Last year, hundreds of children enjoyed the Drive-Thru Polar Express. We’re really looking forward to this year’s event and anticipate a similar turnout.”

To become a sponsor, email the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield at stephanie@bgcmarshfield.org.

About the Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield’s mission is to enable and inspire all young people to realize their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens as well as become tomorrow’s capable leaders. The Club provides programming opportunities in the Boys & Girls Club of America’s (BGCA) five core areas including leadership, education, health, arts, and fitness.  The Club serves families with children ranging in age from 5 to 18 years old, and provides critical services the community needs to support children and families over the short- and long-term. For more information, visit their website www.bgcmarshfield.org or call 781-834-2582.

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